The penultimate day of the 5th Test between India and England at The Oval ended with England at 339/6, just 35 runs away from chasing down a monumental target of 374. With only four wickets in hand, the tension is palpable heading into Day 5, which promises a high-stakes finish to an already gripping Test series.
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| Root’s 39th ton, Brook’s 10th |
🏏 Day 4 Key Highlights
✅ Joe Root’s Masterclass: 105 Runs
Former England captain Joe Root once again delivered under pressure, scoring a vital 105, marking his 39th Test century. He steadied England's chase with a nearly flawless innings before being dismissed by Mohammed Siraj. His innings was both technically sound and mentally resilient, forming the backbone of the run chase.
✅ Harry Brook’s Breakthrough Hundred
Harry Brook played arguably the innings of his young Test career, smashing 111 runs with remarkable maturity and composure. His 195-run partnership with Root was crucial in taking England from a position of uncertainty to the brink of victory.
✅ India Strike Early, But Momentum Shifts
India began Day 4 on a high, with Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna removing both Ben Duckett and Ollie Pope early. However, the lack of wickets during the Root-Brook stand hurt India's chances of capitalizing on the early breakthroughs.
After Tea, Siraj and Krishna returned to claim critical wickets, including Root, and Jasprit Bumrah applied pressure with short spells, but England’s tailenders held firm.
🌧️ Weather Plays a Role Again
Just as India looked to make inroads into England’s lower order, bad light and light rain interrupted play. Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton, who are currently unbeaten, will resume the innings on Day 5. Their task? Just 35 more runs to seal a 3-1 series win.
⚖️ What’s at Stake on Day 5?
For England: A historic chase at The Oval, with a win sealing a dominant 3-1 series victory.
For India: A chance to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat and level the series 2-2, salvaging pride in English conditions.
🧠 Expert Analysis
England’s middle order resilience was the standout story of Day 4.
India’s bowling lacked bite during the critical middle session, missing the sharpness to dismantle set batters.
The new ball on Day 5 could be crucial for India, especially with cloud cover expected.
Pressure is on England's lower order, but momentum and runs on the board give them the edge.
🧾 Scorecard Summary
India:
1st Innings – 224 all out
2nd Innings – 396 all out
England:
1st Innings – 247 all out
2nd Innings – 339/6 (Need 35 more to win)
📣 Final Word
Can India produce a miracle on Day 5, or will England seal a historic series win at home? The final day at The Oval is set to be a cricketing classic—don’t miss the drama, the pressure, and the defining moments that will go down in Test cricket history.
FAQ's
What is the score after Day 4 of the 5th Test between India and England?
England is 339/6, needing just 35 more runs to win the match and the series. India set a target of 374 after scoring 224 and 396 in their two innings.
Who scored centuries for England on Day 4?
Joe Root (105) and Harry Brook (111) both scored outstanding centuries, forming a crucial 195-run partnership for the fourth wicket.
What time will Day 5 start?
Day 5 of the 5th Test will resume at 3:30 PM IST on August 4, 2025.
How many wickets does India need to win?
India needs 4 more wickets to win the match and level the series 2-2.
Who are the not-out batters at stumps on Day 4?
Jamie Smith and Jamie Overton were at the crease when play ended due to bad light and rain.
What channel is broadcasting the match live?
The match is being broadcast on Star Sports and is available for live streaming on Disney+ Hotstar. In the UK, it's available via Sky Sports.
What is the series score currently?
England leads the 5-match series 2-1. A win here would give them a 3-1 series victory, while a win for India would level the series 2-2.
